Animal models of heart failure

In order to study the pathophysiology of heart failure and the efficacy of new pharmacologic interventions, a large number of animal models have been developed to simulate this complex syndrome. Most of these models were of major surgical trauma, myocardial ischemia, and pharmacologic or toxic depression of cardiac function. Unfortunately, these older models often have major limitations. Newer, relatively noninvasive models have been developed that closely resemble human heart failure. In this review, we briefly discuss new aspects of two of the most interesting and widely used established models of heart failure, ie, myocardial infarction in the rat and chronic rapid pacing, as well as some recently described novel preparations of experimental heart failure.